Where Can I Get a Used Car Loan in Central Florida?

Bad Credit Auto Loans in Central Florida
Buying a used car shouldn’t have to be difficult.rnUnfortunately, it is hard for buyers with bad credit to find the loan they needrnto make a car purchase. So where can you get a used car loan in Central Florida?rnNo matter your financial background, you can get the auto loan you need atrnOkCarz.
[ READ MORE: Why Get a CarrnLoan with OkCarz ]
Apply for Loan Approval
Applying for a loan at OkCarz is easy and hassle-free. To getrnstarted, fill out the necessary information on our online loan pre-approvalrnform. This includes your name, contact information, and address. That’s it!rnWe won’t ask for your Social Security number and applying won’t affect yourrncredit score. In addition, this application won’t cost you even a penny!
After submitting the form, you will see the maximum amount of money you can qualify for in a loan from us. You can even see how your credit compares to other car buyers across the nation!

Get Your Trade-In Value at OkCarz
Looking to lower your car payment? Don’t want to drive yourrncurrent vehicle anymore? Find out how much your car is worth through a simple online form! Oncernthe information is submitted, we will reach out to you within 48 hours with ourrnestimate of your car’s value. Did you like the number we gave? We will honor ourrnestimate and buy it off you if you choose to sell it!
Of course, if you prefer to talk with us directly whenrnapplying for a loan, feel free to visit one of our locations in the CentralrnFlorida area. For more tips on financing for a vehicle, check out the OkCarz blog.
How much room is there in a full-sized SUV?
Which used full-sized SUVs provide the most interior space?
People have different criteria that they look at when going to buy a car. There are some who are looking for the newest, most exciting technologies, and others who want to make sure that their future vehicle has massive power. However, most drivers can agree that when they’re looking for a car, the overall interior space is important. That is why so many drivers opt for an SUV, which provides everything that you could want from your vehicle. Of course, not all SUVs are created equal, and some are more capable of hauling around cargo and passengers than others.
Ford Expedition
1st/2nd/3rd-row leg room: 43.0/39.1/37.7 inches
Total Cargo Volume: 108.3 cubic feet
Cargo Volume behind 3rd row: 18.6 cubic feet
GMC Yukon
1st/2nd/3rd-row leg room: 45.3/39.0/24.8 inches
Total Cargo Volume: 94.7 cubic feet
Cargo Volume behind 3rd row: 15.3 cubic feet
Chevrolet Suburban
1st/2nd/3rd-row leg room: 45.3/39.7/34.5 inches
Total Cargo Volume: 100.3 cubic feet
Cargo Volume behind 3rd row: 31.6 cubic feet
Toyota Sequoia
1st/2nd/3rd-row leg room: 42.5/36.4/35.3 inches
Total Cargo Volume: 120.1 cubic feet
Cargo Volume behind 3rd row: 18.9 cubic feet
[Related: Should you lease a new car or buy a used vehicle?]
Other features of a full-sized SUV
There are other benefits to driving an SUV. In addition to the spacious interior, drivers can also utilize an SUV to tow a trailer, sometimes towing as much as 9,000 pounds. While it isn’t the same capability that you would find with a truck, the massive interior does more than make up any perceived deficits. There are also plenty of other features that you’ll need to consider when you’re buying a vehicle, but many SUVs are equipped with new and exciting technologies.
Those who have looked for an SUV know that if you’re searching for a brand-new car, you’re going to be paying an arm and a leg. Instead of overpaying for your vehicle, visit OkCarz, where you can find a used SUV that has all the features you want, without the over-inflated price sticker. You can also apply for financing, which can help make buying the perfect SUV easier than ever.
What to do after you’ve been in a car accident
Steps to follow after being involved in a collision
No one wants to think about getting into an accident. Even with the variety of safety features that you can now find on vehicles, accidents still happen, and it is still a confusing and terrifying experience for any drivers. If you’ve gotten in an accident, it is likely that you’ll be a little shaken up, but it is important to you follow these steps to help make the aftermath of the collision less stressful.
Move your vehicle (if possible)
The first thing to do after an accident is to assess if you’re in a safe place. If you’re blocking a lane of traffic, try to move your vehicle to the shoulder or off of the road. Of course, this isn’t always possible, so if your vehicle isn’t able to move, put your hazard lights on.
Check on others and yourself
If you’re in an area where you can safely leave your vehicle, put your vehicle in park and get out after checking that you won’t be exiting into a dangerous situation. Check to make sure that you aren’t injured, and then go assist the other parties in the accident.
[Related: What are the safest Used Vehicles?]
Call the Police
Even if you aren’t injured, you should notify the police, especially if you intend to submit a claim to your insurance company. Even if the accident seems minor, it can still be helpful to contact the police. While you wait, take a moment to exchange insurance with the other party involved, and to take pictures of any damage that may be visible on both vehicles for insurance purposes.
How to prepare for a car accident
While most drivers don’t go out of their way to get into an accident, you can still make sure that you’re prepared in case something should happen. Make sure you have insurance on your vehicle and check that you have all of the paperwork that you might need. After the accident, if your vehicle isn’t salvageable, visit OkCarz to view our inventory of used vehicles at reasonable prices.
Should you lease a new car or buy a used vehicle?
Benefits of buying a used car vs leasing a new model
One of the decisions that has to be made when shopping for a vehicle is whether or not you want to buy new or used. For most drivers, that decision comes down to finances. A new car is much more expensive than a pre-owned vehicle, and that fact pushes drivers toward buying a used car instead. However, something that isn’t considered very often is if it is a better value to buy a used vehicle or lease a new one.
Leasing a vehicle is a lot like paying rent. You’re supposed to keep the car in excellent condition, you’re able to trade it in for a newer model when your lease is up, and you don’t have to worry about dealing with maintenance as the vehicle ages. On the other hand, when you choose to lease instead of buy, you don’t own your vehicle at all, and so after your lease is up, you’ve paid your monthly installments with nothing to show for it. While owning your vehicle is one of the biggest benefits of buying a used vehicle, here are some other reasons to buy a used car over leasing a new one.
[Related: When is a car too old to buy?]
Why buy a used car?
When you lease a car, you are restricted to the terms of your lease. In many instances that includes a maximum mileage. If you are planning on driving a far distance, leasing a vehicle could end up costing you more, since going over your maximum mileage generally leads to additional charges. You also have to leave the car in like-new condition, since it will either be sold or re-leased when you’re done with it. On a used car, you can customize any way you want, whether that includes adding a new sound system or putting on crazy mods. Drivers of a leased car might feel like they have an advantage since brand new vehicles often have the latest technology and safety features but used car buyers can find plenty of models that provide access to technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and many of the same safety features as a new vehicle.
While a lease is generally less expensive than a new vehicle, you can find a variety of reasonably priced used vehicles at OkCarz, with plenty of options for financing, no matter your financial situation. Visit one of the five OkCarz locations in Florida, or view the used car inventory online to find the vehicle that is perfect for you.
What to do if your vehicle is stolen
Steps to follow when your car has been stolen
Many people have experienced the slight moment of panic when they leave an event or crowded store and aren’t able to immediately find their vehicle in the crowd. For many, the instant thought is that their vehicle has been stolen. While you’ll likely be able to locate your vehicle with a little bit of walking and repeatedly pressing the panic button on your key fob, there are some instances where you’ll be facing a stolen vehicle. After checking to see if your vehicle has simply been towed, you’ll need to follow these steps for trying to find your missing vehicle.
Alert the police
When you’ve determined that your vehicle has actually been stolen and isn’t just misplaced, call the police and file a report. Some vehicles have technology systems that help track them down, otherwise, you’ll have had to provide the police with your VIN, year, make, and model. From there, the police will begin investigating.
Call your insurance provider
If you have comprehensive insurance, your insurance provider should cover getting a new vehicle after they determine that it isn’t a fraudulent claim and your vehicle was truly stolen. Once their investigation is concluded, you’ll likely receive a payout for the actual cash value of your vehicle. While you’re waiting for a new vehicle or for your car to be found, some insurances will provide you with a rental so you don’t have to give up on all of your plans.
[Related: How to decide on an auto insurance policy]
What to do if you don’t have comprehensive insurance?
While not knowing where your vehicle is can be terrifying, the majority of stolen vehicles are found and returned, which means that you won’t likely end up with a payout. To make sure that you’re prepared for the possibility of vehicle theft, check that your insurance will cover a stolen vehicle. If you don’t have comprehensive insurance and you need to get back on the road, stop by OkCarz to take a look at the inventory of used vehicles for sale to find a reasonably priced car, and learn more about your financing options.
Insurance prices for new versus used vehicles
Does having a used car affect insurance costs?
Buying a car is a process that doesn’t stop when you drive your recently-purchased vehicle off of the car lot. There are other things that you have to take into account when looking for a vehicle, whether you end up buying a new or used model. Whether you finance your vehicle or pay up front, there are still plenty of costs associated with owning a vehicle. One of these continuing costs is paying for insurance on your vehicle.
While buying a used vehicle often leads to paying less for the vehicle, you might end up with a higher insurance rate. One of the biggest reasons for this is that the older your vehicle is, it is more likely to be stolen. Despite the fact that newer vehicles might be more valuable, they’re harder to steal with all the safety features, which often includes some sort of GPS tracking. Newer vehicles also often feature advanced safety features that can help drivers avoid potential accidents. All in all, a lot of factors go into how your recently-purchased vehicle is insured.
[Related: Car Insurance Basics]
How to choose your insurance
Another important aspect to consider is what type of vehicle you have. Even when you buy used, some models have fairly negative connotations, which could possibly lead to risky driving, potentially causing a collision. However, if you’re a cautious driver without accidents on your driving record, you’ll likely end up paying less for your insurance. While the vehicle your drive plays a small role, you can lower your insurance by opting out of insurance aspects that aren’t strictly necessary on a used vehicle, like collision and comprehensive insurance. Be sure to compare insurance rates from a variety of providers to ensure that you’ll be getting the best coverage for your money.
Learn more about what you need to do when buying car insurance and find other tips and tricks that will help you purchase a used vehicle on the OkCarz blog. Drivers can also find information on applying for financing and view the OkCarz inventory on the website.
Can you buy a used vehicle out-of-state?
What to do if you’re buying a car in a different state
When you’re looking to buy a car, it is likely that you’ve been searching high and low to find one that is exactly the right fit for you and your needs. In some cases, it can feel like a miracle when you finally stumble across a vehicle that is absolutely perfect for you. However, in some cases, it seems like that perfection could easily slip away if the model you’re looking for isn’t available in your area. Sometimes finding the perfect vehicle, even when unavailable near you, is as easy as hopping over to the next town. In some cases, you won’t be as lucky and may have to look outside of your state to find the vehicle you want.
Buying a vehicle across state lines is only a little bit harder than going to the dealership down the street to purchase your car. The main thing to worry about when buying a vehicle out-of-state is the sales tax. While you may be buying the vehicle in a state with little to no sales tax, you won’t be paying sales tax for that state. Depending on which state you are from, and where you’re buying the vehicle, the dealership may handle the entire transaction for you, including passing along the sales tax your home state. If they won’t deal with it for you, you’ll have to find which agency your sales tax needs to be sent to before you register your vehicle.
[Related: What should everyone know about their car?]
Registering an out-of-state vehicle
Again, depending on where you buy the vehicle, it will likely be temporarily registered and then need to be re-registered and titled in your state. To be safe, work something out with the help of the DMV in the state you are buying from so you can be certain that you’ll be taking your vehicle home with you. If you need to use vehicle financing to buy your vehicle, you won’t be impeded by the fact that you’re buying a vehicle in a state other than your own. It is not likely that you’ll have to arrive at the dealership with financing in hand, though you can go through your local bank for financing if that is what makes you the most comfortable.
While it isn’t particularly difficult to buy a vehicle out-of-state, you can avoid all of the potential headaches by simply visiting a local dealership, like OkCarz. With five locations, OkCarz has a wide variety of used models, so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs. Learn more about financing options, and view the inventory online, or visit one of the five locations in Florida.
What should everyone know about their car?
Important things that everyone should know about their car
Whether you’re driving a fresh-off-the-lot model, mom’s old minivan, or a new-to-you used vehicle, there are a bunch of things that you probably don’t know about your car. While there are some things that you don’t need to know, like how many people can fit in the trunk, there are plenty of important aspects that you might not realize are as crucial as they are. Some of these are important to your vehicle functioning properly, and some are just important to know so you have a clearer picture of your car, but all of them are important things to know about your vehicle.
Year, Make, and Model
The year, make, and model of your car is the best way to identify it to other people, and when you take it for service or trying to replace anything from windshield wipers to oil filters, you’ll need to know exactly what type of car you have. If you can’t remember, you can find all of that information in the owner’s manual.
What Paperwork you need
Speaking of the owner’s manual, which is generally located in the glovebox, you’ll need to keep some paperwork in your vehicle. Your proof of insurance and vehicle registration should be kept in an easily accessible place, like the glovebox. One piece of paperwork you don’t need in your car is the title, as it makes you an easy target for theft.
[Related: What the check engine light means]
VIN
The Vehicle Identification Number or VIN is a string of numbers and letters that are unique to your vehicle. Using the VIN, you can locate your vehicle and learn more about your vehicle’s history by running a VIN report. To find your VIN, you can check on the driver side interior dash, the front of the engine, or the driver’s door jam.
Checking the fluid
Checking the fluids in your vehicle is one of the ways that you can ensure that your car continues to properly function. With some regularity, you’ll want to check your brake, transmission, and power steering fluid, as well as your coolant and oil. Of those fluids, the oil is changed the most regularly and should be checked more often.
Why should you learn about your car?
Learning about your current vehicle can only help you in the long run. For one, you’ll be able to speak knowledgeably about your car, and you’ll be able to learn more about what you like and don’t like in your vehicle. You’ll also be prepared for a variety of issues that can come up. Learn more about how to maintain your vehicle and more on the OkCarz blog, which has information that will help you talk about vehicles other than your own.
Where in Tampa Bay, FL, to get Valentine’s Day Candy

Best Candy Shops in Tampa Bay, FL, for Valentine’s Day 2018 Treats
Whether you’re planning a special day for that special someone, or you’re just celebrating friendship this year, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to indulge your sweet tooth and sample some of the best chocolates, candy, and other tasty treats. Visit these confectioneries to find the best Valentine’s Day treats in Tampa Bay, Florida.
See’s Candies
With a variety of Valentine’s Day themed items as well as other chocolate and sweets options, See’s Candies, with a seasonal location in Tampa Bay, and partner locations in Dillard’s in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, FL, is a convenient place to find high-quality chocolates and candies.
Viktoria Richards Chocolates
Visit the numerous Tampa Bay-based locations of Viktoria Richards Chocolates, or order online to experience luxurious chocolate without having to buy a plane ticket to Europe. The artisanal pieces are almost too beautiful to eat, but with flavors like Cuban Espresso and Mango Key Lime, curiosity will likely win out.
Toffee to Go
Named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2013, Toffee to Go is a Tampa-based confectionery that creates small batch, handmade toffee. Shop online or visit the store to put a bit of a spin on the traditional Valentine’s Day chocolates when you embrace the nutty flavor of the four different varieties of toffee available to order.
Scrumptious Fudge
With 28 different flavors and an option for a one-pound random sampler, you and your loved ones can enjoy delicious fudge from Scrumptious Fudge this Valentine’s Day. If you want a gift that lasts longer, you can also sign up for the Fudge of the Month Club, where you’ll receive a pound of fudge every month.
[Related: Best Cars in 2018 Academy Award-Nominated films]
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with OkCarz!
When you’re thinking of how to treat that special someone this Valentine’s Day, a great pairing to any of these delicious candies and treats might be the keys to a different vehicle. To take a look at all of the used vehicle options available, visit OkCarz, where you’ll also be able to find information on financing, no matter what your credit situation is.
How to check your credit score and credit report

Where are the best websites to check your credit score for free?
Navigating the world of credit and credit scores can be difficult. Most people don’t know their credit score and might be too afraid to check. Thanks to the incorrect information that checking your credit score can lower it, plenty of people choose instead to remain without information on something that plays a huge part of their finances. Checking your credit score and credit report should be done with some regularity. However, when you’re checking your credit for the first time, you might not be sure of where to go to find the information.
There are numerous advertisements that promote free credit score checks. While your credit score might be free, you might be asked to sign up for services that will lead to a fee after a free trial period is over. If you’re using sites like this, be cautious to ensure that you aren’t inadvertently paying for your free credit score. You might also be able to get your credit score from your credit card provider. However, checking your credit score is just one aspect of learning about your finances. You’ll also need to check your credit report to make sure that there haven’t been any mistakes or stray charges.
[Related: How to fix having a bad credit score]
Checking your Credit Report for free
You are able to check your credit report once every year for free. Your credit report is the information that is used to formulate your credit score so you won’t see the three-digit number, only the items that go into to making it. There are three different credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, and you can access your reports from all three by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. While there are other places that may advertise having your credit report, this is the only site that will allow you to pull your three credit reports as part of the federal mandate.
Though you can only check your credit report once a year, you can and should keep up with your credit score throughout the year. While the credit report is a hard inquiry, when you’re checking your score, you won’t see a dip in your overall credit rating. If you’re looking to purchase a vehicle, but you aren’t sure what your credit score is, you can apply for pre-approval online at OkCarz. This way, you’ll be able to see your credit score and how much you would be approved for at the dealership. Using the online tool doesn’t affect your credit and help you find financing options for the car of your dreams.



















































